Manager, Early Learning Centre

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Please note: jobs are posted until 11:59 pm on the job closing date.

Land Acknowledgment:

Algonquin College campuses in Ottawa and Pembroke are located on the traditional unceded, and unsurrendered territory of the Anishinàbe Algonquin People. The Algonquin People have inhabited and cared for these lands since time immemorial. We take this time to express our gratitude and respect to them and to the land for all that it has provided and will continue to provide.

Job Description:

We are seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking leader who is passionate about the future of early learning and committed to advancing excellence in childcare and education. This is an exciting opportunity for an innovative professional to build on the Centre's strong foundation, foster meaningful community and academic partnerships, and support evolution of programming. The successful candidate will bring a collaborative leadership style, a commitment to inclusive and culturally responsive practices, and the ability to identify opportunities that enhance the learning experience for children, families, students, and staff.

The Manager of the Early Learning Centre (ELC) is responsible for providing high quality, culturally diverse and inclusive programs for infants, toddlers and preschool children and their families. The center is licensed under the Ontario Ministry of Education.

The incumbent is required to manage, support, , provide direct supervision, as well as oversee the development and implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum, while ensuring compliance with provincial and municipal legislation. Under the leadership of the manager, the ELC demonstrates best practices in the field of early learning, ensuring an optimum learning environment.

The ELC serves as a demonstration lab school for Algonquin students enrolled in a variety of post-secondary programs. The Manager of the ELC facilitates placements and internship opportunities for students enrolled in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) and Bachelor of Early Learning and Community Development (BELCD) programs. The manager provides direct supervision and mentorship to the BELCD students. The manager collaborates with the academic program areas to provide faculty and student access to the Centre.

The incumbent contributes to the financial well-being of the College by developing and monitoring the budget for the ELC. They oversee enrolment management and liaise with the City of Ottawa regarding childcare subsidies, grant applications, and the current funding model. The manager works closely with Facilities Management to ensure the premises meet health and safety standards.

Required Qualifications:

• A minimum of an Early Childhood Education diploma and a four (4)-year Bachelor's Degree in Education, Early Learning and Community Development, Child Studies or a related field;

• Registered member of the College of Early Childhood Educators in good standing;

• A minimum of seven (7) years of experience with increasing level of responsibility, including four (4) years direct management/oversight of a licensed Early Learning Centre;

• Excellent leadership, management, motivational, and team building skills;

• Proven ability to think strategically, identify emerging trends and opportunities, and translate ideas into actionable plans that enhance program quality and service delivery;

• Strong relationship-building and partnership-development skills, with experience collaborating with educational institutions, community organizations, government partners, and other stakeholders;

• Experience developing and managing budgets; strong business acumen, including experience with budget planning, resource allocation, enrolment management, and long-term program sustainability.

• Sound knowledge of the related provincial and municipal legislation;

• Extensive experience working with families and young children;

• Experience developing and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum for children in a variety of contexts;

• Ability to work under pressure and respond to clients with tact, diplomacy, and professionalism;

• Strong written and verbal communication skills;

• Experience supervising students on placement as a direct onsite supervisor or faculty liaison is considered an asset.

This position requires regular on-site work at Algonquin College’s Woodroffe (Ottawa) Campus.

Why Join Algonquin College?

• Compensation: Many roles offer a competitive base salary and comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, and retirement plans designed to support your well-being. Eligibility for benefits vary by position. Benefits | Careers

• Learning and Development Opportunities: Access to training, tuition assistance programs (Algonquin College Courses and Degree Completion), certifications, workshops, and professional courses that allow you to grow and advance in your career. About Us | Employee Learning and Development. Availability depends on role and employment status.

• Company Culture: Our values of caring, learning, integrity, and respect define how we interact with one another. We foster a supportive and collaborative environment. Algonquin College has been recognized by Forbes as one of Canada’s Best Employers for 2025 and one of Canada’s Best Employers for Diversity for 2024

• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA): We are proud to be the first Ontario college to implement an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion policy, fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected and valued. Affinity Group Conversation Communities | Inclusion & Diversity & Truth and Reconciliation

• Flexible Work Arrangement Policy. Select positions are eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the College’s Flexible Work Arrangement Policy https://www.algonquincollege.com/policies/hr26/ (subject to change).

How We Use AI in Hiring:  

Algonquin College uses artificial intelligence technology to assist in screening and assessing applicants and their applications, while ensuring that all processes respect and uphold the provisions of applicable collective agreements above all else.

Accessibility:

Algonquin College values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and culturally respectful workplace. We offer an inclusive work environment and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of racialized groups, and individuals from diverse communities. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact the Human Resources department at [email protected]. While we thank all those who apply, only those to be interviewed will be contacted.